Lot Ended
Description
From a large private collection; thought to have originally been built
for the South African market but never actually exported from the UK; very rare
machine believeved to be the test bed for the Pioneers with the famous walking
beam rear suspension
An exceptionally rare survivor
from the early days of Scammell's heavy haulage vehicles, this 1929 Scammell
Six-Wheeler Tractor Unit, registration DS 8883, is a particularly fascinating
piece of British commercial vehicle history.
Still powered by its 7,200cc
four-cylinder Scammell petrol engine, it is understood to be one of the earliest
surviving six-wheeled Scammells.
The history of
DS 8883 has been the subject of considerable research over the years. Research
undertaken by the Scammell Owners & Enthusiasts Club in 1990 recorded that
the vehicle was known to the club for many years and was believed to be one of a
batch of Colonial models built in 1929 for export to Johannesburg.
Having
been delivered to Chatham Docks for shipment, it is understood that damage was
sustained during loading and the vehicle, along with another from the batch, was
returned to the Scammell works at Watford for repair. It subsequently remained
in the UK, rather than making the intended journey to South
Africa.
Of particular interest is the suggestion
that these Colonial vehicles were effectively prototypes for the walking-beam
rear suspension system which subsequently became such a famous feature of
Scammell's heavy haulage products. The club's research records that, after
spending some time at the Scammell works, DS 8883 was sold to Harwicks of West
Ewell, before eventually passing to Redburn's of Enfield, who used it into the
1960s. The present Redburn's livery therefore has a strong connection with its
documented working history.
It subsequently
entered preservation with W J Fensomes of Huntingdon, and by 2000 was being
advertised for sale by Classic & Vintage Commercials magazine, where it was
described as "the oldest six-wheeled Scammell in existence." It was subsequently
acquired by collector Keith Ross, who commissioned restorer Roy Gould to
undertake an extensive restoration.
Mr Gould has
recently recalled DS 8883 on social media, as his first major restoration,
undertaken during the 1980s. A completely new body had to be constructed, while
the original scuttle, fuel tank and long running boards were retained. The
chassis was removed for shot blasting, while the distinctive walking-beam rear
axle and gearbox were dismantled and rebuilt, reportedly by Barbers Transport of
Croydon.
The intention was to have the Scammell
participate in the HCVS Commercial London to Brighton run in 1991. Despite
some carburettor problems, it successfully tackled the famous route, with Mr
Ross and Mr Gould sharing the driving. The journey was not entirely without
incident, however, as a broken clutch pedal eventually brought proceedings to a
halt – something which was apparently quickly remedied by a suitably talented
welder!
DS 8883 subsequently passed through
several private collections before being acquired by the present vendor in
approximately 2012, as part of a considerably larger
collection.
The history file contains a
fascinating assortment of documentation, including correspondence and
photocopies of Scammell build information. Some of the surviving factory
material depicts different body configurations and may have been sourced from
Scammell to establish how the vehicle might originally have appeared. There is
also a drawing suggesting a fuel tanker body, which would certainly be
consistent with the vehicle's supposed Colonial export specification. If, as the
history suggests, the vehicle never actually left Britain and was returned to
the factory, it is entirely plausible that its body was subsequently altered or
replaced during its long working life. (There is a possibility of acquiring a
period tank from the vendor by seperate negotiation)
Whatever the precise configuration during its earliest years, the
survival of so much research and documentation makes DS 8883 a particularly
intriguing vehicle. Its present Redburn's of Enfield livery gives it enormous
visual appeal and a genuine connection to one of its known former operators,
while the unusual six-wheel configuration and walking-beam suspension make it
immediately recognisable as something rather special.
The Scammell has been run and driven on site, although at the time of
our inspection it required a tow-start with the assistance of a friendly
tractor. As with any vehicle of this age, recommissioning and mechanical
inspection should be anticipated before regular road use.
For the enthusiast of early commercial vehicles, this is much more
than simply an old lorry. DS 8883 is an exceptionally rare early Scammell with
documented connections to the factory, a fascinating possible Colonial history,
an extensive restoration pedigree and an evocative period livery. It represents
an important chapter in the development of British heavy haulage and offers its
next custodian the opportunity to preserve one of the most unusual surviving
Scammells of the pre-war era.
Contact - toby.service@brightwells.com